Blue Tree Monitor


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Description

Blue tree monitors are gray-black with cobalt blue spots over the head, body, and tail. Their underside is a grayish blue. They have prehensile tails used to grab on to tree branches.

Range & Habitat

The blue tree monitor is native to the rainforests of Batanta, the smallest island in the Raja Ampat archipelago, Indonesia.

Behavior

Females lay 1-5 clutches of eggs each year, depending on her food intake. In human care, females have been observed approaching males to breed. The pair will spend time basking on the same perch together over a period of days.

This species is arboreal, living in the trees. They are also diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day.

Diet

Blue tree monitors eat small mammals, insects, and eggs.

Conservation

The greatest threat to blue tree monitors is the exotic pet trade.

Fun Facts

  • The blue tree monitor was first discovered in 2001, so scientists know very little about their natural history.